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40 Star American Flag 1889

$10,995
£8,395.64
€10,061.45
CA$15,828.15
A$16,319.71
CHF 9,201.48
MX$208,881.33
NOK 106,091.83
SEK 110,965.83
DKK 75,235.16

About the Item

The 40-star United States flag is one of the rarest and most unusual variations of the American flag because it was never officially adopted by the United States government, yet examples of it were still produced. An incredible find, a 40 star American Flag, linen, hand sewn stars with beautiful details and repairs. After the American Civil War ended in 1865, the United States quickly began admitting new states into the Union. According to tradition, a new star would be added to the flag on the July 4th following a state’s admission. In 1867, Nebraska became the 37th state, which meant a 37-star flag became official on July 4, 1867. As more territories were expected to become states soon, flag makers began anticipating future additions. Why a 40-Star Flag Was Made During the late 1860s, many people believed that three more western territories—especially Colorado, along with others—would soon enter the Union. Some flag manufacturers skipped directly from 37 stars to 40 stars, assuming three states would be admitted quickly. However, that prediction didn’t happen. Instead: • Colorado became the 38th state in 1876. • No immediate cluster of three states joined to justify a 40-star design. Because of this, the United States officially used: • 37-star United States flag (1867–1877) • 38-star United States flag (1877–1890) The 40-star flag never became the official national flag. Legacy and Rarity Despite never being official, a few 40-star flags were manufactured and sold, often for patriotic displays or speculation about future states. Today, surviving examples are considered rare historical collectibles, valued for illustrating how Americans in the 19th century anticipated the country’s rapid expansion westward.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 73 in (185.42 cm)Width: 119 in (302.26 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1889
  • Condition:
    Repaired: Patches and sewn repairs. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Sag Harbor, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2252349251702

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